King Edward's School Home Old Edwardians Website

Bruce Hurn Art Event

Report

On 26th June 2010, a special event dedicated to Bruce Hurn, a former art teacher, was held in the chapel at King Edward's School.  The event marked the return of his painting 'The Crucifixion' to the chapel after lengthy restoration work.  Over 80 Old Edwardians and guests came back to King Edward's for the day which started with tours of the school.  There was then a chance to see some of the restoration photos as well as the altarpeice itself before a special dedication service led by the school chaplain, Rev Duncan Raynor.  Duncan spoke about the history of the chapel and its place at the heart of the school.  There were then some speeches of thanks from John Claughton, Chris Eckersley and Bruce Hurn himself.  After the service everyone headed for the Chief Master's garden for a well-earned cream tea before heading home full of memories and sandwiches.

You can view the photos from the day here.

Restoration work

Bruce Hurn taught art at King Edward's for almost 30 years between 1947 and 1973.  During his time here he produced a memorable altarpiece in the chapel entitled 'The Crucifixion'.  Unfortunately, after Bruce left the altarpiece was repainted and damaged as a result.  Over the last few years it has undergone extensive restoration work and the event marked the re-installation of the painting into the chapel.  

You can see photos of the altarpiece restoration work here.

Attendees

OEs who attended the event included:

   
Peter J Colley 1950
Dr Robert B Somerset 1952
Prof J A Stockwin (Arthur) 1953
Derek H Benson 1953
Prof Barry F Leek 1953
Prof 'Peter J Stoward 1954
Martin G Richards OBE 1957
David R Norton 1957
David J Corney 1957
Raymond G Dauncey 1957
David G Harrison 1957
Geoffrey D Purkis (Geoff) 1958
Robert H Darlaston 1958
   
Michael S Green 1959
D A Burgess 1959
Christopher Gardiner (Chris) 1959
Dr David W Chalmers OBE  1959
Brian H Shaw 1960
Andrew J Frost 1960
David L Gerrard 1961
Richard A Stubbs 1963
John C Warner 1963
David E Long 1964
Raymond J Charlton (Ray) 1965
Chris J Darrall 1966
Paul J Castle 1967
Robert C Alabaster 1970
Derek G Walker 1970
Chris Eckersley 1970
Neil Gilmore 1970
Jim W Long 1970
Stuart Hatwell 1970
Jeff M Shaw 1971
   
Howard J Smith 1971
Andrew P Coe 1971
Simon Inglis 1973
Dr Andrew M Tobias 1978
Steve J Lines 1987

Guests included:

Bruce Hurn
Rebecca Ditchburn (Bruce Hurn's daughter)
Mr Lester
Mrs Lester
Thelma Dauncey
Prof Elisabeth Gerver
Barbara Coe
Barbara Darlaston
 
 
Helen Somerset
Eckersley
 
Tim Ditchburn
David Corney
 
Irene Stubbs
Lesley Chalmers
Mike Pearson
Pauline Pearson
Catherine Gerrard
Ruth Smith
Jan S Hatwell
Ray Charlton
Robin Barnes
Suzanne Barnes
Gilmore
Barbara Colley
Vicki Bailey
Paul Castle
 
David Burgess
Patricia Burgess
Ralph Lester
Pat Dowdell
Jane Harrison

John Claughton (Chief Master), Simon Lerwill (Development Director) and Jerry Trafford (Head of Finance) were also in attendance.